Ruhu's Journal, 16 February 2013

My travel day yesterday went well. I spent the afternoon with my Mom & had dinner with a friend whose father passed away after suffering with Alzheimer's for many years. I'm so fortunate to have the amazing support of all of you, plus 2 close friends here in Cincinnati who have or had a parent with this awful disease. I've realized that it's best to spend shorter, more frequent times with my Mom, & to have others with us as much as possible, to make it more enjoyable & less stressful. I've also learned to write everything down for her because as much as she loves having me here, it is disruptive to her normal, very predictable, scheduled day. Even though I know she suffers from a horrible disease & does the best she can, at times it can get so frustrating to answer the same question or hear the same story or complaint over & over. Luckily, praying & breathing through the tough times with her, helps tremendously. And, I keep reminding myself that I too am doing the best I can, to not buy into the guilt I can put on myself, take it one frustration at a time & be sure to take care of myself and take time for myself so I can journal, exercise, see my friends here, etc.

Today I'm working out & then having lunch with my other friend, then spending the afternoon with Mom & taking her to meet my cousin & his wife for dinner. Even though I was exhausted, I did not sleep well last night, so will fit in a nap today too -- which Mom always takes so that should work fine.

So, I'll begin my day praying for serenity, and I'll pray, breathe, journal & post as much as I can, and express on this one day, meal, moment, bite & emotion at a time. Xoxox